The closure of education facilities under quarantine has created a plethora of problems, from vulnerable students being stranded without housing, to their mental health falling apart in isolation, to working parents suddenly being responsible for full-time childcare, to the mass demand for tuition refunds because it's impossible to learn sculpture and ballet over Zoom. The issue being most comprehensively addressed? Lack of parties.
Millions of high schoolers and college kids will graduate in their bedrooms in a few weeks. The tech companies of the world aren't going to let them do it without a star-studded blow-out. TikTok hosted a weeklong "prom" last week (more proms are in the works). While some schools are getting creative with "drive-in" graduations, for those less inspired, YouTube and Facebook are each hosting illustrious online commencement ceremonies.
Both brag impressive line-ups. YouTube's, scheduled for June 6 and titled "Dear Class of 2020" will feature commencement speeches from President Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, Condoleezza Rice, K-pop sensation BTS, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Malala Yousafzai, and Lady Gaga. There will also be "special appearances" from Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Kerry Washington, Zendaya and Chloe x Halley, and YouTube creators like Dude Perfect, The Try Guys, Mr. Kate and Jackie Aina.
Meanwhile, Instagram and Facebook's #Graduation2020 will be hosted on May 15, with Oprah Winfrey delivering the commencement address. It'll also feature appearances from Awkwafina, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, Simone Biles "and more," plus a performance from Miley Cyrus.
Of course, universities from Harvard to Penn State are holding virtual ceremonies of their own. Most of them have yet to announce speakers, but surely it'll be a busy season for Angela Merkel and Melinda Gates.
Will pixelated platitudes from the rich and powerful help placate graduates entering a collapsing economy? They hope!
Photo via Getty
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